A woman has been prosecuted for illegally subletting an Oxford City Council property.

The city council's counter fraud team successfully prosecuted Deborah Cox-Walker, 46, formerly of 22 Wellington Street, for dishonestly breaching her secure tenancy agreement. 

Cox-Walker, now residing in Vicarage Lane, Frodsham, became a council tenant in June 2023.

However, she began renting out her council property almost immediately while living at her husband’s address in Cheshire. 

Over a five-month period, she unlawfully sublet the property, generating an illicit rental income of £3,600.  

READ MORE: More than 400 arrests made in December in police crackdown

Following an investigation by the counter fraud team, Cox-Walker was invited to an interview in March last year at which time she returned the property to the council, meaning that it could become available to someone who genuinely needed it.

While she initially denied the allegations during the interview, she ultimately pleaded guilty in court.  

22 Wellington Street22 Wellington Street (Image: Google Street View) At a hearing on December 13 at Oxford Magistrates’ Court, Cox-Walker received a community order, which included 100 hours of unpaid work. She is also required to pay the council’s costs amounting to £2,107, along with a victim surcharge of £114.  

Ed Turner, city council deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and asset management , said: “This case highlights our commitment to tackling housing fraud and ensuring that social housing is available to those who genuinely need it.

"By prosecuting offenders, we send a clear message that fraudulent activity will not be tolerated. I’d like to commend the team for their hard work in securing this outcome.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby